Temple vs Vanderbilt Preview

The SEC sees its first team in action when the Temple Owls take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vanderbilt surprised the nation last season when it went 9-4 even when they faced the tough SEC opponents they have. But this season the Commodores will have to do a bit of rebuilding with the loss of their starting QB and top WR. Temple faces an uphill battle as the Commodores have threats on both offense and defense. With Vandy’s tough defense and versatile offense puts the Owls against the fence. If the Commodores can find players to replace those they lost from last year, there’s no reason that they can’t surprise the SEC once again.

–Keys for Temple Owls:

The Owls have used a multi-back system with their running game. Kenneth Harper and Zaire Williams split the carries last year, and it looks to be the same for 2014. Harper was used for ground and pound as he was put in for most of their short yardage to gain plays.

Quarterback P.J. Walker acts as a duel threat QB, as he had 332 yards rushing to go with his 2000+ yard season a year ago.

–Keys for the Vanderbilt Commodores:

Head Coach Derek Mason had the offseason to decide which young quarterback would have the starting snaps. Patton Robinette won the job over Stephen Rivers and Johnny McCrary. Robinette, a sophomore from Maryville, will be looking to continue the Commodore success for 2014.

After sitting out the 2012 season junior RB Jerron Seymour had a fantastic 2013 season, scoring 14 touchdowns with almost 800 yards rushing. While those numbers don’t make him a standout, he fits well into the current offensive system in place.

–NO KEY INJURIES TO DATE

–Favorite/Odds: Vanderbilt by 14.5 points

–Vanderbilt will be looking to continue their new found success in the SEC. But before they face any SEC opponents, they must prove themselves against teams like Temple. While this game isn’t necessarily a tune up game for the Commodores, they should be able to emerge from their first game victorious.